echinocandin


echinocandin

(ē-kī-nō-kan'din), A class of antifungal compounds targeting the fungal cell wall. Action is by specific and noncompetitive inhibition of the (1,3)-β-d-glucan synthase enzyme complex that forms glucan polymers; a major component of the fungal cell wall in several pathogenic fungi.

echinocandin

(ē-kī″nō-kan′din) [Gr. echinos, hedgehog, sea urchin, + Cand(ida albicans) + -in] Any of a class of antifungal drugs that block the synthesis of the fungal cell wall.